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Definition: DVD-RW

(DVD-Read Write) A rewritable DVD disc for both movies and data from the DVD Forum. Also called "DVD Dash RW" and "DVD Minus RW," DVD-RW uses phase change recording. The media hold 4.7GB per side and can be rewritten 1,000 times. See DVD, DVD storage capacities, DVD drives, DVD+RW and optical disc.

In practice, the term "DVD" refers to all DVD formats. The phrase "update the DVD" really means "rewrite the data on the DVD-RW or DVD+RW disc." See DVD.

Phase Change Recording

In rewritable DVDs, different intensities of the laser turn bits in the phase change recording layer between a crystalline state and an amorphous state.